Attorney General's Office

Attorney General praises Exeter's Contribution to the Justice System

The Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC, is today visiting two projects in Exeter to see first hand how they coordinate partnerships between law students, courts and the local council to really make a difference to the justice system.
The Attorney will first visit Exeter Crown Court where she will hear about the vital role that adva Devon (Against Domestic Violence and Abuse), a partnership of local agencies led by Devon County Council, has in supporting victims of domestic violence across Devon. The partnership's innovative work on domestic violence has led to the awarding of the only green flag nationally for Domestic Violence in the Comprehensive Area Assessment 2009.
She will learn about the role played by all agencies in supporting victims of domestic violence, and will witness the impact that the court is having on bringing perpetrators of domestic violence to justice and the role played by the agencies in support of victims and their families in Central Devon's Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC).
The Attorney will meet and hear a survivor's perspective and the impact the SDVC has had on them.
Speaking ahead of the visit the Attorney said:
"I'm looking forward to offering my sincerest congratulations to them on their contribution to Devon's domestic violence and abuse work which has been recognised with a Green Flag in the Comprehensive Areas Assessment.
"It's due to the quality of the services available in Devon and the public awareness of them, the reporting of Domestic Violence incidents to the police has almost doubled* in the last ten years, and successful prosecution rates are nearly 90%. The coordinated community response in Devon will save many lives and reduce the devastating impact of domestic violence on victims and their families."
The Attorney will then move onto the University of Exeter to meet with staff and students to learn about the community pro bono project (from pro bono publico, meaning 'for the public good'), that is currently being developed in partnership between the Law School, courts and the local council. This will include a 'student help-desk' type scheme for people who arrive at court with a civil legal problem but also need further access to services that can assist them. The desk will be based both in Exeter Combined Court and Exeter City Council in spring, and a group of students will be trained by Citizens Advice to listen to people and their problems and direct them to relevant organizations or support. The project involves a partnership with Exeter County Court, Citizens Advice, Exeter City Council and the Ministry of Justice.
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For more information on the visit, please contact Russell Hayes on 0207 271 2484 or email russell.hayes@attorneygeneral.gsi.gov.uk
Notes to Editors:
1. Images of the visit will be available on request
2. *the reporting of Domestic Violence incidents in Devon have increased from 5,743 (2001-2) to 9,362 (2008-9).
3. The Area Domestic Violence Assessment specialist services support an average of 188 clients per month.
4. The Devon Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences supported 1,699 clients between 2007-8 and 2009-10; with an average repeat victimisation figure of 20%
5. The Specialist Domestic Violence Court has consistently had successful conviction rates:

• 2009-10 - 90%
• 2008-09 - 82%
• 2007-08 - 76%
• 2006-07 - 80%

6. The Attorney General currently discharges three main roles:

• chief legal adviser to the Government;
• superintending Minister for the prosecuting authorities (which carries with it certain functions in relation to individual prosecutions and involvement in criminal justice policy);
• and the exercise of public interest functions (including functions in relation to unduly lenient sentences, contempt of court, civil proceedings giving rise to public interest considerations, and appointment of special advocates).